Question 1

What is the projected enrollment for Norwalk CSD through 2035-26?

Accepted Answer

Total K-12 enrollment has increased more than 38% since 2010-11 (+951 students), and our current student population of 3,442 is projected to approach 4,000 students by 2035-36.

These projections are based on current housing developments and community trends. The addition of a Transitional Kindergarten program for 2026-2027 may also increase enrollment beyond these estimates.

→ See the 2025 Enrollment Analysis

Question 2

With the increase in enrollment, which schools will be most affected?

Accepted Answer

Oviatt Elementary houses our preschool students in three classrooms and will be home to the district’s new transitional kindergarten (TK) program in 2026-27. Expectations are for Oviatt to face capacity issues by 2031.

Based on the district’s enrollment study, the greatest impact is expected at the Middle School level with capacity challenges around 2034.

Question 3

Which schools are in need of HVAC upgrades?

Accepted Answer

The district has identified Oviatt Elementary, Lakewood Elementary, and Eastview Middle School as needing HVAC upgrades.

At each of these buildings, major components such as rooftop units and ventilation systems are nearing the end of their useful life and require replacement. 
Oviatt Elementary: Upgrades would impact about 85% of the building 
Lakewood Elementary: Upgrades would impact about 40% of the building 
Eastview/Middle School: Upgrades would impact about 85% of the building

These upgrades are necessary to maintain reliable heating, cooling, and ventilation for students and staff.

Question 4

How would the bond issue enhance student safety?

Accepted Answer

Student safety is a top priority for district leaders. In addition to the modern security systems that would be found at the newly proposed elementary school, bond revenue would support a series of enhancements at other campuses. These improvements would include door and window safety film, weapons detection software, floor-anchored barricades, and new security cameras.

Question 5

Where will the new elementary school be located?

Accepted Answer

The specific location of the new school has not been finalized.

Question 6

How large would the new elementary school be?

Accepted Answer

The proposed elementary school would span approximately 89,000 square feet and accommodate up to 750 students. For comparison, Orchard Hills Elementary features 86,000 square feet and accommodates up to 750 students.

Question 7

What grades would be located at the new elementary school?

Accepted Answer

The new elementary school is planned to open as a 3rd and 4th grade building to help address current enrollment needs and balance student populations across the district.

It will also be designed and built as a future neighborhood school, allowing the district flexibility to adjust grade configurations over time as enrollment and community needs evolve.

Question 8

When would the new elementary school open?

Accepted Answer

The new school would welcome students in 2031-32.

Question 9

Has a name for the new school been selected?

Accepted Answer

No, a name has not been selected at this time. The naming of the new school will follow the district’s Board policy and established process, with a decision to be made at a later date.

Question 10

What would the district's grade configuration look like once a fourth elementary school is built?

Accepted Answer

Oviatt Elementary: PK/TK/K
Orchard Hills Elementary: Grades 1-2
New Elementary: Grades 3-4
Lakewood Elementary: Grades 5-6
Norwalk Middle School: Grades 7-8
Norwalk High School: Grades 9-12

Question 11

Why doesn’t Norwalk CSD consider transitioning to neighborhood schools rather than grade-alike schools?

Accepted Answer

Norwalk CSD has studied different school configurations, including neighborhood schools, but has chosen to maintain a grade-level model because it best supports equity, consistency, and long-term planning.

Equity for all students is a key reason. This model ensures all students have equal access to the same staff, programs, and facilities without creating perceived differences between schools.

It also supports consistency in instruction. Teachers collaborate across an entire grade level, helping provide a more consistent learning experience for all students.

The district’s geography and growth patterns make it difficult to draw neighborhood boundaries fairly and efficiently. In addition, neighborhood schools would require frequent boundary changes as the district grows, which can disrupt families.

Finally, maintaining the current model is more financially responsible. Converting existing buildings into neighborhood schools would require significant renovation costs (nearly the cost of a new elementary building), while the current approach allows resources to be used more efficiently.

Bottom line: While there is no single “right” model, Norwalk’s approach helps ensure every student, regardless of where they live, has access to the same high-quality educational experience.

Question 12

Why can’t we build a new high school?

Accepted Answer

Norwalk CSD currently lacks the bonding capacity to construct a new high school. The estimated debt capacity in 2030 is approximately $60 million. The estimated cost of a new high school in 2030 is approximately $100 million.

Question 13

Why is a new Transportation Building necessary?

Accepted Answer

Currently, our Transportation Department operates from a facility shared with the City of Norwalk under an agreement scheduled to sunset in August 2029. As our district and the city grow, a new facility is needed to house our fleet and provide space for maintenance, storage, and our transportation staff.

Buses represent a major investment, as each one costs about $190,000. Nearly 50% of our students ride the bus, meaning we need to protect these investments that keep our kids safe.

Our plan is to build a large, garage-like structure capable of sheltering our fleet and extending the useful life of our buses. This will also play a key role in ensuring our buses get out on time each morning.

Question 14

Where would a new Transportation Building be located?

Accepted Answer

Norwalk CSD previously purchased land west of the existing facility that is currently shared by the City of Norwalk and the district.

Question 15

Will the bond issue be used for athletics and activities?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A portion of the funds provided by a voter-approved bond issue would support athletic facilities, including indoor hitting and pitching facilities at the baseball and softball complex, and a turf practice field for multiple activities.

Question 16

How will the bond referendum funds be spent?

Accepted Answer

The district anticipates completing the proposed projects within the $65 million bond authorization.
$42.5 million for a new elementary school that serves grades 3-4.
$10 million for a new Transportation Building to replace the facility we share with the City of Norwalk under an agreement expiring in August 2029.
$1.5 million for safety and security improvements at multiple campuses, including door and window safety film, weapons-detection software, floor-anchored barricades, and new security cameras.
$5.5 million worth of HVAC upgrades at Oviatt Elementary, Lakewood Elementary, and the secondary campus.
$5.5 million for athletic facility improvements, including indoor hitting and pitching facilities at the baseball and softball complex, a practice turf field for multiple activities, new parking, and more.

Question 17

How would this impact school start times, drop-off, and transportation?

Accepted Answer

At this time, no immediate changes to school start times or transportation are planned as part of the bond proposal.

As the district grows and any new facilities open, adjustments to bus routes or start times may be considered to ensure safe, efficient transportation and manageable drop-off and pick-up procedures.

Any future changes would be carefully planned with input from families and the community, focusing on student safety, efficiency, and minimizing disruptions.

The district will continue to evaluate transportation and scheduling to best support students and families as the district grows.

Question 18

What is the purpose of a general obligation bond referendum?

Accepted Answer

When voters approve a general obligation bond referendum, they authorize the school district to incur debt by selling general obligation bonds to the public to fund major capital projects, such as building renovations, new construction, and large-scale facility upgrades.

This debt is repaid over time through a debt levy. This tax differs from the district’s operating tax levy, which is intended to cover day-to-day expenses such as staff salaries, classroom materials, transportation costs, and utilities.

Passing a bond referendum prevents the district from diverting funds from instructional resources to pay for significant facility improvements.

Question 19

What is Norwalk CSD’s bond referendum history over the past 25 years?

Accepted Answer

Norwalk CSD residents have approved four general obligation bond issues in the past two decades.
February 2005: 67% support for a $6.3 million bond to construct and furnish a new building for grades 8-9.
February 2008: 83% support for an $8.4 million bond to construct an addition at Lakewood Elementary, improve Oviatt Elementary, and renovate existing facilities and sites.
February 2017: 84% support for a $32 million bond for the construction of a new elementary school; renovation and HVAC projects at the middle school; and renovations, a kitchen and cafeteria expansion, HVAC improvements, office and administration areas, and classroom improvements at Oviatt Elementary.
March 2020: 77% support for a $24 million bond to construct the Norwalk Physical Education and Competition Center (NPECC).

Question 20

How are Norwalk CSD students performing in the classroom?

Accepted Answer

Norwalk CSD is an educational leader in our region, and our students' overall classroom performance is classified as “high performing,” according to the Iowa School Performance Profiles.

Our district’s four-year graduation rate of 98.3% outpaces the state average by more than 10 percentage points. Our students outperform the state average in proficiency in science, mathematics, and English language arts.

Nearly 85% of NHS students earn college credit in high school, compared to the state average of 70%.

Question 21

Have other school districts in our area pursued bond referendums?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Voters in Ankeny, Dallas Center-Grimes, Des Moines, and West Des Moines all approved general obligation bond issues in November 2025.

Question 22

How does this bond referendum benefit community members who do not have children in the district?

Accepted Answer

Strong schools benefit the entire community, not just families with students. High-quality school facilities help maintain and increase property values, making Norwalk an attractive place to live and invest.

Well-planned school improvements also support responsible growth, ensuring the community can keep pace with new development without overcrowding or a decline in quality.

In addition, schools serve as community assets. District facilities are used for events, activities, and partnerships that benefit residents of all ages.

Investing in schools is an investment in the overall strength, stability, and long-term success of the Norwalk community.

Election Day: November 3, 2026

Norwalk Community School District

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